"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
Carl Gustav Jung
(02) 8074 1571
A compassionate trauma-informed therapist working with individuals and couples in Sydney & online, helping you to find purpose in life, cope with anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, relationship issues and long-term stress caused by divorce/breakup, loss, chronic illness, narcissistic abuse and trauma.
I grew up in Czechoslovakia, studied in Italy, Czech Republic and UK where I lived for 8 years before relocating to Sydney in 2020. I worked at ACON, a leading LGBTQAI+ community organisation in Australia and now, I have my private practice in Sydney, helping clients with trauma related issues.
Qualifications & Trainings:
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Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis Counselling, Middlesex University, London (2017-2020)
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Certificate in Psychosynthesis Counselling, Psychosynthesis Trust, London (2014)
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Msc Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic (2003-2006)
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Semiotic Research, University of Bologna, Italy (2005)
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Bsc Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic (2000-2003)
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EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for couples with Dr. A. Badaines (2020)
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for healing trauma and distress with G. Taylor/Therapist Training (2020)
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Disengaging from Inner Criticism with PhD. Claus Springborg, London (2020)
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Depth Enquiry with Amanda Gruhn (May 2023)
Membership:
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PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) - membership number 26958
MY JOURNEY INTO THERAPY
I came into therapy as I wanted to understand myself and the way a trans-generational trauma of my family impacted my well-being. Being fascinated by the greatest riddle ever, the origins and nature of consciousness, I see psychotherapy as a tool to uncover different layers of our awareness; through the 'mind-body-feeling' work, we can gain awareness that opens up our choices. I will be privileged to guide you through this exciting and complex journey.
MY APPROACH
There is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations; I bring together various elements of specific therapies to help you in your specific circumstances. I am interested in working within a somatic modality, Jungian psychotherapy. I use mindfulness and Gestalt to learn about the client's belief system & CBT. Also, I like working with clients' dreams to access a rich unconscious material. Overall, my approach is humanistic focusing on your growth potential.
MY MISSION
I have always felt drawn to helping people. It sounds simple... But to come to that point, first I had to embark on a long journey of my own transformation and growth, not free of discomfort. I am committed to continuous exploration of my psyche, studying psychology and new healing modalities so I can be the best guide and support to you.
I abide by ethical and professional standards, I maintain regular and on-going supervision and I attend regular continuing professional development (trainings, workshops and conferences) to continue to grow as a therapist.
"The curious paradox is that when we accept ourselves just as we are, then we change."
Lasting change starts with acceptance. I listen to my clients, to what they say, and to what they don't say. Their increasing awareness propels deep connectedness with themselves, driving profound transformation. My specializations include:
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, excessive worries and intrusive thoughts.
I help them question their thought pattern, identify and manage their triggers, building resilience and coping strategies.
One goal of treatment of a complex post-traumatic stress disorder is to develop feelings of trust in others and the world. Therapy is a great way to address that aim by establishing a trusting relationship between yourself and me, your therapist.
Sadly, many people struggle with depression on their own, for months or even years, before getting professional help. If you suspect you experience depression, get in touch with myself or another professional. Depression can be treated effectively, but it is only you who can take the first step.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANYTHING LIKE:
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Panic attacks that make you feel completely out of control
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Anxiety with physical symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, insomnia, etc.
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Persistent and unwanted thoughts
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Urges or images that are intrusive
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Compulsive or ritualistic behaviour to get rid of the thoughts
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Long periods of sadness, tiredness, irritability and lack of motivation
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Feeling of not being good enough
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Thoughts of self-harm
You don't need to be alone in dealing with mental health issues. Imagine what a life free of anxiety, panic attacks, OCD (intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviour) would be...
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP:
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You will talk through your issues with me, a professional who cares and provides support, where other sources, such as family or friends, are too close to be neutral or may be part of the problem.
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Counselling is strictly confidential; I adhere to PACFA & BACP ethical standards. Your thoughts, experiences, gender, race, sexual or faith orientation are all welcome.
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You will make sense of what is happening to you and understand the connection between your feelings, thoughts and behaviour.
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You will get a greater self-awareness and insight that will enable you to look at alternative options and make better choices in line with your authenticity.
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You will get the space to grieve the losses, heal and grow into your healthier self.
EFFECTIVE COUPLES THERAPY
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You will be supported to see your relationship in a more objective manner and to stop 'the blame game', couples often find themselves in.
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You will learn to communicate better and will increase your 'three C's' of intimacy. Part of an improved communication will be your ability to listen actively and empathically.
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You will learn to focus more on strengths of the relationship rather than its negative narrative. This will help you to build resilience as a couple.
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You will feel less afraid to express your fears and need for closeness.
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You will be supported in changing your behaviour, should that be detrimental to the relationship or physically, psychologically or economically harmful.
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For the couples therapy to be effective, it is beneficial for the health of the relationship to seek a professional early in the game.
Sydney, NSW
hello@peopleintherapy.com | Tel: (02) 8074 1571
Fees:
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$120 per hour. I offer some reduced rate places for people who are experiencing financial hardship.
Medicare rebates:
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In Australia counsellors and psychotherapists are not regulated the same way as psychologists therefore, at the moment, I cannot offer Medicare rebates. However, given the Australian Psychological Society recommends an hourly rate for psychological services of $280, even with the Medicare rebates, my fee comes significantly lower.
If you or a person you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please call emergency 000, or your local mental health crisis team (call 1800 011 511 within NSW), or go to your local hospital emergency department.
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Support Groups
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MensLine Australia
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Suicide Call Back Service
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ACON
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